Page 36 of Cruel Devotion

“Yes, Chen.”

Staring hard into my eyes, Chen’s expression shifted back to unreadable then he slowly raised his hand.

Instantly, the line of men behind him dispersed in synchronized formation. Their feet shifted simultaneously, bodies pivoting gracefully yet with unmistakable authority.

Then, they marched down the mountain.

The tension in the atmosphere lifted, but my confusion deepened. “What just happened?”

Chen lowered his hand and sighed, the stiffness in his shoulders lessening slightly. “They are a preventive measure. Having a hundred armed-men at our gates wasn’t exactly the kind of surprise I was expecting today.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“I also thought Banks was taking you away and we can’t have that.”

I stiffened. “So. . .those men are for what? To battle my cousin or keep me here?”

“Let’s return to your compromise.”

“I would rather you answer the question.”

“I like your sense of diplomacy.” Chen gestured for me to follow him as he walked off.

Up ahead, his men in blue continued to march down the mountain path. Dust kicked up around their feet and swirled up their legs.

I walked next to Chen. “These guys are coming with us?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “Again, they are simply a safety measure.”

“This should be a chill visit, nothing like what happened at the hotel lobby.”

“Of course. However, I feel for you, Monique.”

“You do?”

“I do.” He shook his head. “Balancing Banks’ and Lei’s egos this week must feel like walking on a very thin tight rope that has been raised high above the world. One misstep and you could fall to your death.”

“I’m managing to keep my feet on the rope.”

“You are but dare I say you should manage even more.”

“I didn’t know Banks was going to bring so many people. I just thought he’d send some white clothes up the mountain, not parade a mini army at the gate.”

“The clothes and the men. It must be discussed. Those two things sound simple but they are not.” Chen sighed. “Let us first go to the men.”

“Okay.”

“That can’t happen.”

“Chen, we’re lucky Banks is not barreling up here and demanding I leave with him.”

“I’m sure we are.” Chen brushed down the front of his suit jacket as if it were getting dirty on our walk. “What I am saying is that I will welcome the men and assure Banks that all will be fine. But once he leaves, these men must remain in a tent far out of Lei’s sight so that—”

“Hold on.” I slowed my pace and eyed him. “Are you saying that we’re going to try and get over on Banks?”

“I’m saying that you are still compromising with Banks while also balancing the needs of our Mountain Master.”

“OurMountain Master? I am not a part of the Four Aces.” I tensed. “If anything, Banks explained to me that I am more of afriendof everyone and not—”

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